MotorWeek tested the e39 M5 and said it was the greatest sports saloon of all time. I think that statement still stands, even though faster cars have come since then.I remember reading in European Car magazine about the magazine's guy boiling tire smoke off the tires and 400 hp, which seemed a lot back then.

'Of all time '' is a bit portentous for any car isn't it ? Aesthetically, and for lots of other reasons too, I far prefer cars such as the Alfa GTA , Gordon Keeble , BMW 2002 - and NSU Ro 80 is better looking than any BMW ever was in my view.

Been in a couple of M5s - certainly quick but about 800 kilos too heavy .